From days of joining he home, he was 'home.'
I'm sorry to hear Sandy's passed Fred. The two of you both seemed to be going through an awful lot of health issues together. It's nice that you were able to be there by his side until the very end.
Take it as an honor that God thought highly enough of you to put Sandy in your care for his time here on earth. That's a special trust.
In his day, with Husky, we shared a Queen sized bed. Those two got 2/3'rds, I got what was left over even if it took a "WILL YOU TWO MOVE THE HELL OVER!" Two heads turned and look at each other ... 'He's got to be kidding, right?' Two hundred plus pounds of dog are hard to move without using a 'harsh voice.'
"Husker's" was older than Sandy (no idea by how much) but greatest of Pals even when we lived in Ashland. Husky was a neighbor's dog and Sandy and I off to the Lake or river and he'd come trotting up the service alley and ME TOO!! Chuck his fat butt in the back of the Jeep and off the three of us would go.
Neighbor's moved to (or all places) the middle of no-where in South Africa and 'Would you like to keep Husky?' Hell, dog spent the majority of day light hours at my place so 'You Betcha!'
Husky, the first to go and much the same as Sandy. Back end just gave it up. Him, Sandy and I would sleep next to him out side on the Patio. My present 'condition' makes it a pain in the butt to even get up off the floor. A 'think it through' if you're going to try that for a Doggie Cuddle.
God the fishing trips we three took together: Deschutes river (pay attention for snakes!!), save for the 'Wild and Scenic' section of the Rogue we've been there. Williamson river, Chetco, motor home and 'Guys this is going to be a long trip to get there. Husky would shove himself under my legs in the drivers seat; adjust your driving Fred, Co Pilot has semi-control over the aircraft.
A few times in a tent, and had to go buy a '4-man,' had a two, but those fellows took up one hell of a lot of room I should have guessed that from the bed-bit). Cold nose on each side of your face and 'snuff/snort' all night. First night sleeping on the ground I was INFORMED
"This will just not do!" Both got their own self inflate air mats for the next tent trip.
'Peace in the Valley' those trips. 'Soooooooo, bacon and eggs for 'OUR BREAKFAST?' Well, ya mixed it in with their dog kibble.
Sorry for the ongoing Ramble, but hard not to do look backs in an empty house that used to be a home for all of us.
At the risk of over-statement, I now understand the words: "Void/Empty/too quite." No more Doggies sitting next looking at you, the bag of Dog treats under your office desk, you!-treats-you!-treats-you! treats ... NOW!!!! .. and you will fold like a wet paper bag, submit, and open the bag.
I think the Dogs ran this place, I was just the 'care taker' who made the mortgage payments.
fae